cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce cauliflower (audio) ˈkä- How to pronounce cauliflower (audio)
-lē-
often attributive
: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers
also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many people are sensitive to the smell of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, no matter the cooking method. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025 Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family (along with broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale), and are known for their high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2025 In the morning, Shannon uses her Sur Le Table suitcase to make breakfast for everyone, including some muffins made with egg whites and hash browns made from cauliflower rice. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 Serve over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to complete your healthy meal. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cauliflower

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cauliflower was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cauliflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cauliflower. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun
cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce cauliflower (audio)
: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on cauliflower

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